2008 Woodie Awards
Stem Cell Research
Logan Jeffrey
Issue date: 11/12/04 Section: News
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Both in life and in death, Christopher Reeves has become instrumental in promoting awareness for the use of stem cells in curing injuries and disease. However, it is possible that he and many of us have been misled by the promises we keep hearing about embryonic stem cells being the key to curing Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, diabetes and a host of other maladies. Research to this point shows that adult stem cells, not embryonic, are far more likely to produce successful treatments.
Although we hear plenty of general testimonies that play on our emotions, there appears to be almost a blackout of accurate scientific information about stem cells.
Stem cells are cells that can proliferate (duplicate many times) and differentiate (change into specialized cell types needed by the body). For example, stem cells in your blood continuously produce new blood cells to replace worn-out ones.
Stem cells found in both adults and embryos are currently being studied by researchers to replace cells lost through disease or injury. However, research is showing that adult stem cells are actually medically superior to embryonic stem cells in many instances.
First, a patient's body will reject embryonic stem cells as foreign. Adult stem cells obtained from the patient's own body are perfectly matched genetically and do not cause tissue rejection. In addition, embryonic stem cells are prone to abnormal genetic "expression," and scientists acknowledge a lack of suitable tests to detect such abnormalities.
Moreover, embryonic stem cells can form teratomas, which literally mean "monster tumors." These tumors often contain different cell types, such as teeth, hair or bone tissue. Adult stem cells, which are easier to control, do not form these tumors.
Proponents of embryonic stem cells allege that only embryonic stem cells can form all body tissue types, but researchers are continually showing that adult stem cells can also form specialized cells of other tissues.
Although we hear plenty of general testimonies that play on our emotions, there appears to be almost a blackout of accurate scientific information about stem cells.
Stem cells are cells that can proliferate (duplicate many times) and differentiate (change into specialized cell types needed by the body). For example, stem cells in your blood continuously produce new blood cells to replace worn-out ones.
Stem cells found in both adults and embryos are currently being studied by researchers to replace cells lost through disease or injury. However, research is showing that adult stem cells are actually medically superior to embryonic stem cells in many instances.
First, a patient's body will reject embryonic stem cells as foreign. Adult stem cells obtained from the patient's own body are perfectly matched genetically and do not cause tissue rejection. In addition, embryonic stem cells are prone to abnormal genetic "expression," and scientists acknowledge a lack of suitable tests to detect such abnormalities.
Moreover, embryonic stem cells can form teratomas, which literally mean "monster tumors." These tumors often contain different cell types, such as teeth, hair or bone tissue. Adult stem cells, which are easier to control, do not form these tumors.
Proponents of embryonic stem cells allege that only embryonic stem cells can form all body tissue types, but researchers are continually showing that adult stem cells can also form specialized cells of other tissues.
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 4
jandjcastle
jandjcastle
posted 10/21/05 @ 12:25 AM PST
This apperas to make a cogent reason for adult stem cell reserarch, especially Parkinson's Disease.
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